Description
Recent developments in electrically cooled systems, while improving aesthetics, do not effectively solve the needs of typical End-Users who require a reliable device at an affordable price, and without the technical hurdles of complex systems.
There are several other critical limitations in newer field gamma spectroscopy systems in the market – cost, weight, and the higher chance of failed cooling systems.
In addition, the low efficiency/sensitivity to neutrons overrides the advertised benefits of “dual detection” systems now offered. In esoteric applications where detection of gamma radiation along with neutrons is a requirement, the neutron sensitivity of the a small internal neutron detector is far too small for practical use. The detection sensitivity to neutrons in such systems are poor and require a secondary hand held device. A traditional Neutron Survey instrument is low cost, reliable, and provides a viable solution in such applications where neutron detection is a requirement.
A closer look at some newer portable HPGe detection systems reveal other concerns. Restrictions in operating time mandates frequent swapping of rechargeable batteries. The recharging process takes hours, nullifying the advantages perceived in electrical cooling. In addition, electrically cooled systems require several hours of cooling before initial use. This start up wait-time can also be problematic, requiring responders to keep the units cooled at all times.
As such the cost of such devices are driven up with mechanical cooling and neutron detection. However, most applications do not need these features.
To meet the market need for a low cost, reliable solution to field HPGe detection, NATS has introduced the HAWK. The Hawk is the world’s smallest high resolution gamma spectrometer based on germanium (HPGE) detectors. The hawk is an ultra light, portable device, with a complete range of functions and features which are typically found in laboratory grade High Purity Germanium detector based gamma spectroscopy systems.
The Hawk includes a digital 16K MCA with full electronics, a data acquisition system and analysis software. The battery powered unit uses a low power draw because it is not powering the mechanical cooler. The Hawk weighs less than 5kg and uses a small liquid nitrogen reservoir which guarantees a minimum of 20 hours of use without needing to recharge or hot swap batteries on the crystal cooling system.
The Hawk comes with an LCD touch screen to easily operate and change the device settings. It also provides the ability to use the EFFCAL software to conduct mathematical estimations of various complex field geometries using the Monte Carlo Neutron Transport Code (MCNP) based efficiency modeling.
If you are considering options for HPGe, consider a common sense field unit that is affordable, ultra light, and operates without the problems inherent in some of the expensive devices. We find it addresses the needs in 90% of our customers applications.
NATS is currently offering instruments and systems used in all aspects of nuclear radiation detection and analysis. These areas include nuclear spectroscopy, radiation dosimetry, health physics, environmental analysis and medical applications.
NATS designs and manufactures certain instruments, provides customized designs for systems, and integrates products and systems using a list of US and European partners specialized in the radiation field. NATS offers systems for users in Nuclear Power Plants, Homeland Security Agencies, Customs and Border Patrol, National Atomic Energy Agencies, Nuclear Regulatory Agencies, Hospitals, and Research Establishments worldwide.
A list of additional NATS products and services used in radiation detection and analysis are listed below:
- High Resolution Gamma spectrometry solutions
- High Resolution X-Ray Systems
- Medium Resolution Gamma spectrometry systems based on Lanthanum Bromide and NaI detectors
- Sample changes for high throughput Gamma spectroscopy systems
- Low level Alpha/Beta counting systems
- Alpha Spectroscopy Systems
- Liquid Scintillation Analysis Systems
- In-Situ Spectroscopy Systems
- Field Inspection and Nuclide Identification Systems
- Whole Body and In-Vivo counting Systems with Analysis Software
- Body Contamination Systems based on Sealed Gas detectors
- Waste assay systems: Fixed and Portable
- Portals monitoring and Border control Systems
- Advanced Early Radiation Monitoring Systems (RMS) based on Gamma, Particulates, and IodineCAM/PIFF
- Mobile Inspection Vehicles
- Mobile Radiation Laboratories
- External Dosimetry systems and accessories
- Educational and Training Systems
- Consulting Services
NATS continues its efforts to innovate via partnerships with reputable companies to provide systems offering the best price to performance ratio for its customers worldwide.
- Minimal weight and size
- Ready for operation in 1 hour
- Autonomous operating time up to 20 hours
- Simple and cheap in maintenance and service
- Really competitive price
APPLICATION
- Customs and Homeland security Environmental monitoring
- Waste Management
- Nuclear Industry
- Nuclear Medicine
- First Response
COMPLETE SET(standard)
- HPGe detector (Coaxial or Planar)
- Digital Multi Channel Analyzer
- Analytical software packag
- Touch screen display
- Dewar vessel
- Communication interface (USB, wireless)
- Adaptor
ACCESSORIES (optional)
- Lead Shielding with collimators
- Hand-cart
- Hard-sided transport case
- Funnel for LN2 filling
- Car charger
- Spare Battery
